Merry and bright: more than 40,000 expected for annual Santa Claus Parade

Linda Hamilton often had to tiptoe to catch a good view of the jolly old elf at Winnipeg’s Santa Claus Parade, so when she she saw volunteers in the middle of the action, she knew she had to sign up.

“It’s a front row seat to the parade, and you get to help keep everybody safe… It’s a perk of the job,” said Hamilton, whose volunteer duties include keeping the streets clear and safe for floats and spectators.

“Just being surrounded by kids and kids at heart — it’s addictive.”

Saturday’s annual Santa Claus Parade is expected to draw more than 40,000 people downtown, organizers say. It will feature Santa and the Grey Cup, which will be contested Sunday between the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Cup will lead the parade and CFL cheerleaders, including the Blue Bomber Cheer Team, will participate.

Monica Derksen, parade director since 2017, has planned the event all year, co-ordinating with more than 200 volunteers.

“Many people have long stories from their grandparents, and their grandparent’s grandparents. It’s gone on for so many years that it’s become a real staple.” she said.

Former department store Eaton’s started the parade in Winnipeg in 1909.

“Parades are hard to keep going these days. Sponsorship is harder. Grants are harder,” said Derksen. “I think it’s really important that it continues. It brings together people from all walks of life.”

She said funding is always going down and inflation is a reality for most non-profit organizations, which is why the parade will have its first 50/50 raffle this year.

Hamilton, who has volunteered at the event for more than six years, remembered her father, who worked at Eaton’s, taking her as a child. Today, her twin nieces make the trip from Stonewall every year.

“When all the lights come on, that’s when we know the parade is starting. I tell the kids: ‘watch for the lights! Watch for the lights!’”

Another longtime volunteer likes to help out with the magic behind the magic.

“There’s an anticipation and excitement,” said Marlow Soliven on the moment when the floats are lining up to march down the street. “That excitement builds. And as it starts, there’s a release of excitement… every year I always look forward to that. Nothing else replaces that feeling for this event.”

With the Grey Cup set for the next day and the weather expected to co-operate, attendance is expected to top the usual 40,000.

The main attraction, Santa’s $100,000 float, has new lights this year highlighting the big guy and his reindeer.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Portage Avenue and Main Street, then head west towards Memorial Boulevard, before ending near St. Mary Avenue.

Tickets for the 50/50 draw are available until Nov. 17 online and in-person at the parade.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca